Homeless woman dies in Sacramento hospital

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A woman known throughout Nevada County law enforcement communities as someone dealing with homelessness reportedly died Jan. 9 at a Sacramento hospital, according to a homeless service organization.

However, details about the events that led to 42-year-old Jennifer Waddell’s death remain a mystery.

Waddell reportedly died at an unspecified Sacramento County hospital after being transferred from Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital in Grass Valley, according to Cindy Maple, executive director of Hospitality House, the county’s largest homeless service agency.

“She was homeless and was sleeping around areas of Nevada City and Grass Valley,” Maple said. “We have had contact with her.”

Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital spokeswoman Shelly Drievold confirmed that Waddell was a patient there Jan. 6 but was unable to specify much else, citing patient confidentiality.

Waddell reportedly suffered health issues relating to exposure to the elements, said a homeless woman who identified herself as Pinky Butler.

“She had been outside for quite a while,” Butler said. “She had no right to be out there. She couldn’t take care of herself.”

From where Waddell had been brought to Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital was not known as of press time.

Maple said a Sacramento County coroner’s report is forthcoming.

Calls to Sacramento hospitals, as well as the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and coroner, were not returned as of press time Monday.

Nearly one month ago, the day after Christmas, a homeless man was found dead outside a downtown Grass Valley building.